BBC One reveals autumn slate

While there are several other channels in Britain, the BBC has a virtual monopoly on television on the basis on its brand name alone. That can be seen with the amount of investment in its fall schedule. In England, the BBC is synonymous with television. While other U.K. channels are suffering from the recession, the BBC One, their primary channel, seems to be plowing ahead.

Upcoming projects include a new adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma (and nobody does period pieces like that better than the BBC), Strictly Come Dancing (their version of Dancing With The Stars), and the latest installment in the Doctor Who franchise, The Waters of Mars. A film called Small Island is also in the works.

I make no secret of my love of British television. I can only hope that some of this quality fare makes it to the states shortly after it's U.K. debut so I can enjoy it (and perhaps somehow convince my cable company to carry BBC America).